At Valley Water, a sense of belonging is crucial to building strong and vibrant communities. That’s why we’re dedicated to advancing racial equity, diversity, and inclusion through our environmental justice framework. By prioritizing equitable outcomes and impacts in all our work, we’re taking steps to reduce the risk of prolonging inequities and ensuring that all voices are heard. Our commitment to standardizing environmental justice practices across all projects and activities is one way we’re working to create a more inclusive and equitable future for all.
Since January 2022, every Board action has included an Environmental Justice Impact statement, and now, revisions to the scope call for consideration of equity opportunities. In addition to identifying and addressing environmental effects on communities that include low-income, groups that experience higher health or pollution burdens, and those impacted by historically discriminatory practices, we’re also leveraging our projects and programs to advance equity.
We’re proud to follow Environmental Justice Equity guidance in our projects, ensuring that all communities in Silicon Valley have access to safe, clean water and flood protection. We understand that some communities may be more vulnerable, and we’re committed to improving existing conditions to the best of our ability. With our improved guidelines, we aim to avoid placing disproportionate burdens on vulnerable communities and ensure that all activities reasonably avoid any criteria, methods, or practices that may lead to exclusion from benefits.
Environmental justice has driven the work of Valley Water for many years. While this way of doing business is not new, Valley Water strives to advance our work as we continue to seek ways to improve public participation strategies. Under the lens of environmental justice, we will be including tribal perspectives in our decision-making process. Valley Water is moving forward with a renewed commitment to ensuring meaningful community representation.
Nice photo!!